Steelers Star Linebacker Exposed Clear Coaching Issues With The Defensive Side Of The Ball In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Chicago Bears on the road on Sunday by a score of 31-28, and the game was ugly for Pittsburgh. The team came up short in nearly every area of the contest, especially defensively. Pittsburgh fell to 6-5 after the loss, and for the first time during the 2025 season, the franchise finds itself on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason. Pittsburgh has a daunting schedule ahead of itself, and it is going to be a real challenge to climb back into the playoff picture, especially if the defense cannot turn things around.

The defense for Pittsburgh played well at some points against Chicago. The group scored a touchdown for the second week in a row, but the unit did have trouble getting the Bears' offense off of the field and keeping points off the board. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams looked extremely comfortable for Chicago as he was able to get nearly anything he wanted through the air. Steelers star middle linebacker Patrick Queen spoke to the media after the game, and he seemed to have some real concerns with what the team was doing schematically.

"I think we’ve just got to be better, honestly," Queen said. "I think sometimes it was schematic issues that we had. It’s kind of hard for two guys as underneath defenders to try to guard two routes that’s overhanging off the hashes and stuff. As much as you know it, you’re trying to play the run, you’re trying to get back to the bang or whatever it is; it’s hard to do that. It’s kind of a bad spot to be in. But at the end of the day, we’ve just got to be better, try to recognize it and get back."

Queen claimed there were some issues schematically, and the defense was put into tough situations throughout the game as players found themselves out of position due to the certain types of defenses that were being called. 

The inside linebacker seemed to be believe he and other underneath defenders were often out of position, which is why the middle of the field was open for Williams to take advantage of.

The picture above is a perfect example of the issues Queen was talking about. He and Payton Wilson have to worry about the two routes being run to the sticks on the hash marks, while another route is able to come through clean and untouched over the middle of the field. This is a constant problem for the Pittsburgh defense, but it never seems to get fixed as the issue has continued on for years.

Queen also spoke with the media about how the issues he brought up could have been adjusted during the game, but nothing changed.

Steelers' Defensive Problems Have Always Clearly Been Schematic

Queen was visibly frustrated after the game, and that is because the players cannot do anything but make exceptional plays when they are constantly out of position. A coaching staff is supposed to set players up for success, and Pittsburgh's defensive coaching staff seems to never do that. It is always players making splash plays. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin is the one calling the plays during the game, but he and Head Coach Mike Tomlin put their heads together to come up with the defensive game plan throughout the week.

Fans have been begging for Austin to be let go for years, but the problem would probably continue on as Tomlin will always have his hand in the defense. Until that stops, the defense will likely not reach its full potential, no matter how much talent the team has on that side of the football.

What did you think of Queen's comments? Let us know in the comments below!

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